► Gordon Murray’s most notable designs
► From the legendary F1 supercar…
► … to the questionable Shell Concept Car
Eco weenie: Shell Concept Car (2016)
The latest evolution of Murray’s T-series city car (around in theory since 2007; still not in production). Built using recycled carbonfibre and 3D-printed parts, this 550kg three-seater can apparently return 107mpg. If only it didn’t look tragic, like a half-crushed VW Beetle.
Eco meanie: Yamaha Sports Ride Concept (2015)
Actually the second Yamaha concept car underpinned by Murray’s ‘iStream’ engineering chops, following on from 2013’s Spud-U-Like Motiv city car. The Sports Ride promises 750kg carbonfibre construction and rear-wheel drive by virtue of a high-powered motorbike engine. Still vapourware, sadly.
World beater: McLaren F1 (1992-1999)
From its world-first carbonfibre monocoque to its 627bhp BMW V12 and 231mph top speed, the F1 was forged – quite literally in many respects – to be the greatest supercar of its time. Many still rank it top of the pile, and nothing without a turbo has ever gone faster. Gordon Murray’s finest hour?
Hyper drive: Light Car Company Rocket (1991-1998)
Contemporary to the F1 was the Rocket, a stripped-back, retro-styled, tandem two-seater powered by a – yep – Yamaha bike engine, built with British racer Chris Craft. 370kg, 141bhp and 10,000rpm made the Series 1 seriously intense; later Series 2 models (2007) offered up to 171bhp…
Read more CAR magazine features